Seasonal Fruit Tart

Ingredients for the Crust

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Almond
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

This recipe will make 2 tarts

Preheat oven to 350ºF.  In large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Mix flour, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture 1 cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Do not chill dough. Divide dough into 2 balls.  Each ball will serve as a base for the fruit tart.

The right tools make a world of difference!

Spray your tart pan with non-stick spray.  Press one of the cookie dough balls into the base of the prepared tart pan.  Make sure that the base is evenly pressed in!  Bake until slightly browned on the edges this will assure that the base does not get soggy with the toppings.

Ingredients for the Filling

1 8oz block fat-free cream cheese
1 cup fat free Greek yogurt (you may use a flavored yogurt for this if you wish)
3 Tablespoons of honey*
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients with the electric mixer until light and fluffy and place in the refrigerator to chill.

Wash and dry all fruit that will be used in the fruit layer. 

Once the crust has cooled, remove from tart pan and place on a decorative plate or cardboard, secure with a dab of the filling to assure that it does not slide off of the plate.  Spread a layer of the cream-cheese filling on each of the tart bases.  Arrange your choice of prepared fruit on top.  The beauty of this tart is that the fruit may consist of berries at the peak of their season or any other combination of seasonal fruits.  In the winter, when fruit selection is limited I use bananas, Kiwi, red grapes and canned pineapple.

 In a small sauce pan melt a clear jelly such as apple or any citrus marmalade. Brush liquid jelly over the fruit to add a glisten.  Chill until cooled completely through.  This makes a lovely Valentine's treat!